Sirenas

La Oreja de Van Gogh, a renowned Spanish pop band known for their poetic lyrics and emotive music, delves into themes of tragedy and collective memory in their song 'Sirenas'. The song references a poignant event in the history of San Sebastián, a beautiful city that has witnessed its share of sorrow. The lyrics poetically narrate the aftermath of a distressing incident, possibly hinting at a terrorist attack, which is a part of the city's troubled past during the ETA's violent campaign for Basque independence.

The metaphor of 'sirenas' (sirens) moving away from San Sebastián symbolizes the fading cries of emergency that once filled the city during its darker days. The sirens carry with them the 'penas y tristezas' (sorrows and sadnesses), seeking a new place to sing their mournful songs. This imagery suggests a desire for the painful memories to also depart, leaving the city to heal and find peace. The recurring line, 'Que no pase nunca más' (May it never happen again), serves as a powerful plea for peace and a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The song also touches on the responsibility to remember and honor the past, as indicated in the lines addressed to a child, urging them to safeguard the story. This generational passing of memory underscores the importance of not forgetting those who suffered, ensuring that history's lessons are learned and such tragedies are not repeated. 'Sirenas' by La Oreja de Van Gogh is not just a reflection on past sorrows but also a hopeful look towards a future where such pain is no more.